Habit #1: Choose to be joyful.

READ IT

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . .I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:4,12)

For every action there is a reaction. For every choice there is a consequence, even if it cannot be immediately seen. If you drink and drive, you could get arrested and seriously harm yourself and others. If you neglect your marriage long enough, you’ll be served divorce papers.

Yet this principle works for good as well. If you go to the gym regularly, you’ll get in shape, have more energy, and feel better about yourself. If you study persistently about a topic in school, you’ll begin to master it.

Action, reaction. Choice, consequence. When you choose to be joyful in the Lord (remember joy is an attitude, not an emotion or feeling), the consequence will be contentment. When you master the habit of finding your joy in God, don’t be surprised when contentment springs up from within you.

Contentment is the natural reaction to joy. The path of finding your joy in God ultimately leads to contentment. The path of joy takes you home to your Creator. When you control your attitude, direct your thoughts to God and cultivate an attitude of joy, you’re planting the seeds of contentment within your soul and giving them the nourishment to blossom.

WRITE IT

Share in the comments below and answer this question, “How can you find your joy in God today?”

PRAY IT

Jesus, today I choose joy. You made today. You made me for today. Today has meaning, may I find it. Today has purpose, may I pursue it. Today has joy, may I embrace it.

LIVE IT

Choose to be joyful in such a way that it overflows to others. See if through your joy anyone mentions your positive attitude or asks you why you’re so happy.

Use #phil4challenge to spread the word about the Philippians 4 Challenge!